IPL 2026: Rajasthan Royals likely to play their home games in Pune
In the middle of the continuing differences between IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals and the Rajasthan Cricket Association, the franchise appears close to relocating its home matches away from Jaipur. With the standoff showing no signs of resolution, Rajasthan Royals have reportedly decided to move their home fixtures for the 2026 IPL season to the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune, opting against their traditional base at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium. The move reflects growing frustration within the franchise over administrative and operational issues with the local cricket body, prompting them to explore alternative venues that can offer greater stability and smoother coordination during the tournament.
IPL 2026: Rajasthan Royals to play their home games out of Jaipur?
Earlier, Royal Challengers Bengaluru were also considering Pune as a temporary home venue amid uncertainty surrounding Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. The iconic stadium has remained under suspension as it awaits clearance under revised security protocols following the tragic victory parade incident involving RCB. The celebration, which turned chaotic, resulted in a deadly stampede that claimed the lives of 11 civilians, leading authorities to impose strict safety reviews before allowing major events to resume at the venue.
The Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur is facing a similar set of challenges, primarily linked to serious security concerns. According to a report by the FPJ, the venue failed to meet the mandatory safety and evacuation norms required to host large-scale sporting events. These shortcomings have raised questions about the stadium’s preparedness and the safety of spectators, placing its future as a regular IPL venue under scrutiny.
Compounding the issue is the administrative turmoil within the Rajasthan Cricket Association, which manages the stadium. Despite clear court orders directing the appointment of administrators, the RCA continues to function without a properly appointed leadership structure. This ongoing uncertainty has further complicated matters, as the absence of stable governance has delayed critical decision-making and compliance with safety requirements.
The venue made its IPL debut in 2012, hosting its first-ever match between the now-defunct Pune Warriors India and Kings XI Punjab, who are currently known as Punjab Kings. Following that inaugural appearance, the stadium served as Pune Warriors India’s home ground for the next two IPL seasons, becoming a familiar setting for the franchise before it was eventually discontinued. Despite PWI’s exit, the venue continued to remain relevant in the league’s landscape.
It was later designated as the permanent home ground for Rising Pune Supergiants, another franchise that featured briefly in the IPL before being dissolved. During this period, the stadium once again played host to several high-profile matches and established itself as a reliable alternative venue with modern infrastructure and strong spectator support. The ground also achieved a notable milestone by becoming the fourth venue in Maharashtra to host an IPL match, joining the ranks of Mumbai’s iconic Wankhede Stadium, the Brabourne Stadium, and the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. Its most recent appearance in the tournament came during the 2022 IPL season, when it hosted a league-stage encounter between Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad, marking its latest contribution to the league’s history.
